Russia's modest aircraft output offsets wartime losses
Every few months, Russia announces the delivery of new aircraft for its air force. The scale of production is modest, with typically only a few units made each year. Nevertheless, the number of new aircraft produced exceeds the losses suffered by the Russian air force in Ukraine.
Russian aircraft manufacturers have reported the delivery of a new batch of Su-35S aircraft to the air force. Russian sources have not disclosed the number of units delivered, but judging by the available video and photographic evidence, two aircraft were delivered, as before.
According to Defence 24, this brings the total number of aircraft delivered this year to six — previously, two Su-35S and two Su-34M were delivered. Meanwhile, the number of documented losses is lower: in 2025, the Russian air force lost one Tu-22M bomber, two Su-25 strike aircraft, and two Su-30.
Only three of these were combat losses — a Su-25 was shot down over Ukraine, and two Su-30s fell victim to Ukrainian unmanned sea vehicles Magura V7, which were equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
How many combat aircraft does Russia produce?
Although the scale of Russian aircraft deliveries appears quite modest, six new machines are sufficient to cover this year's combat losses. It is worth remembering, however, that the potential of the Russian air force is weakening not only due to crashes or shootdowns but also because of increasing wear and tear.
For aircraft whose production has ceased — like the Su-24, Tu-22, or Tu-95 — this could result in a situation where, despite the absence of combat losses, the number of aircraft capable of flying is decreasing.
How many Su-35S has Russia lost?
The Su-35S, delivered to the air force, is the latest variant of the Russian air superiority fighter developed from the Su-27. It was designed to fill the gap in the capabilities of the Russian air force due to the delayed development and commission of the Su-57.
Due to issues with the timely implementation of the latter, the Su-35S is currently the most modern combat aircraft used by the Russian air force. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has lost at least seven of these aircraft.
